On November 27, 2025, the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 kicked off at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. This event drew military leaders, diplomats, and experts from various fields to discuss India’s security challenges and technological advancements.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the session, emphasizing the Indian Army’s crucial role in national security and development, especially in border areas. She praised the army for its commitment to modernizing and adapting to new domains like cyber and space warfare, encouraging a forward-thinking approach to readiness and reform. She expressed hope that these changes would support India’s aim for a developed nation by 2047.
General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff, highlighted the Dialogue’s evolution into an essential platform for military transformation. He noted India’s complex security environment, marked by rising conflicts across various domains. Under the Prime Minister’s vision of “Sammaan, Samvad, Sehyog, Samridhi and Suraksha,” the army’s transformation includes phases aimed at creating a next-generation military force.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh termed 2025 as the “Year of Reforms,” focusing on making India self-reliant in defense. He pointed out that a significant portion of the defense budget is now allocated for domestic industries, driving innovation and a robust defense sector.
Recent data shows that 75% of India’s capital procurement budget is now aimed at supporting local industries, which the Ministry of Defence believes is key to fortifying national security. The economic ripple effects of this shift are profound, with projections suggesting that increased domestic defense spending will stimulate broader economic growth.
BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, mentioned that India must navigate several global shifts, including demographic and technological changes, to secure its position as a leader in the global market. With many advanced economies facing demographic decline, Asia, particularly India, is poised to drive future growth. This means that India needs to build strong democratic institutions and effective partnerships to ensure sustainable development.
Former Principal Scientific Adviser K Vijay Raghavan stressed investing in technology for strategic superiority. He outlined a three-tiered investment approach focusing on immediate agility, controlling supply chains, and long-term innovations in critical scientific areas.
The Dialogue also included thematic sessions addressing current security issues, from strategic victories to defense reforms. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, wrapped up the first day by discussing how technology is reshaping warfare. He highlighted the need for military strategies to evolve alongside technological advancements and changing geopolitical dynamics.
Day two promises further discussions led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who will unveil key initiatives for India’s defense reforms. Overall, the Chanakya Defence Dialogue aims to strengthen India’s security framework, blending moral clarity with technological growth and promoting a unified national approach to defense.
This year’s Dialogue emphasizes that India’s security transformation will hinge on self-reliance and innovation, adapting to new global challenges as the country aims for a stronger, secure future.
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